Walmart rezoning passes 5-4

Bailes, Burlison, Carroll and Rushefsky vote no

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Springfield City Council members narrowly approved a zoning change Monday night that will clear the way for a Walmart grocery store at the corner of Campbell Avenue and Grand Street.

The 5-4 vote ended weeks of controversy that included several packed public hearings. Four dozen people spoke at a meeting Feb. 11, with opponents outnumbering supporters 27 to 21.

Tensions remained high Monday as council members turn to speak arrived.

Councilman Jerry Compton, who spoke first, said the new store would generate tax revenue and jobs. He noted the Planning and Zoning Committee recommended the change and said he would approve it.

Councilman Scott Bailes, who voted against the measure, sharply challenged the notion that the issue was a simple zoning change.

"That's the easy way out," Bailes said, arguing the proposed Walmart could hurt the "fragile" downtown area that the city has spent millions of dollars to revitalize.

Citing the City Charter, Bailes challenged council members to remember that they have sworn to promote the public good.

"We can say no, we should say no," Bailes said.

Cheers and applause erupted from the crowd before Mayor Bob Stephens restored order and called upon Councilman Doug Burlison to speak.

Burlison cited the Hippocratic Oath - do no harm - when explaining why he would vote against the zoning change.

"I feel if we pass this it will cause (traffic) congestion ... It will have negative impacts," he said.

Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky also listed traffic bottlenecks and a danger to pedestrians at the intersection as reasons for her no vote.

She also said she believes Walmart's business practices would harm nearby businesses. "A fair game presupposes everyone plays by the same rules."

Councilman Jeff Seifried strongly supported the measure.

"It is not government's role to tell businesses how and where to compete," he said.

Councilman John Rush also voted in favor of the zoning change. He said the neighborhood would benefit more from a grocery store than from the dilapidated Calvary Temple church building that stands on the property now.

"Surely downtown is stronger than a Walmart neighborhood grocery store," he said.

Seconds before the vote, Mayor Stephens pointed out that the existing church was eager to sell the property to Walmart.

"We have a seller and a buyer. How dare government interfere with that," Stephens said.

Councilwoman Jan Fisk voted in favor of the zoning change without comment. Newly-elected councilman Mike Carroll, who also did not speak, voted against it.

After the vote, opponent Marla Marantz said she was "very disappointed" with outcome.

"I feel this is a step backwards for Springfield," said Marantz, a member of the group Citizens Advocating for Responsible Development.

Council's action will allow Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart to demolish the boarded-up Calvary Temple church and replace it with a 41,000 square-foot Neighborhood Market similar to four others it has built in Springfield in the past two years.

Other opponents included Erick Taylor, CEO of the rival Price Cutter grocery chain and members of the group Stand Up to Wal-Mart.

Daniel Morales, a spokesman for Walmart, issued a statement after the Monday's vote.

"We are pleased by the results of tonight's vote by the city council and their support of the new Walmart Neighborhood Market. We believe this new store will be a solution for those that are looking for a job or want access to fresh affordable food. We look forward to continue to listen and work with local leaders."

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Walmart rezoning passes 5-4

Springfield City Council members narrowly approved a zoning change Monday night that will clear the way for a Walmart grocery store at the corner of Campbell Avenue and Grand Street.